Never scrimp on your suncare: it’s important to ensure your sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays
Not all suncare products are created equal, and it can be hard to work out which products and formulations are worth purchasing.
We’ve handpicked nine of the best products to suit every need, every family member and all budgets.
For the face
Sisley Paris Super Soin Solaire Youth Protector for Face SPF 50
Great for fair or sun sensitive skin, this silky-smooth cream is an ideal summer skincare splurge. A combination of UVA and UVB filters and active ingredients vitamin E and Edelweiss extract help to protect against sun and photo ageing. Naturally scented with essential oils of sage and marjoram, this water-resistant sunscreen also contains shea butter, camellia oil and mango extract to help recover suppleness and moisture.
Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream for Face UVB/UVA 30
Suitable for most skin types, this lightweight cream absorbs quickly into your skin, smells great and won’t clog pores like some heavier feeling creams. Its UVA-UVB filters provide a good level of sun protection, and ingredients like aloe vera and kiwi fruit will keep your skin moisturised and protected against dehydration. Apply in the morning before makeup as a daily sunscreen.
Nivea Sun UV Face Moisture Mousse SPF 50+ Very High
For those on a budget, this is a great option. This light product will be a revelation to people who hate the sticky feeling left by some sun creams, making it suitable for daily use. Immediate UVA/UVB protection guards against sunburn and premature skin ageing, leaving your skin feeling soft without greasiness.
For the body
Jurlique Sun Specialist SPF 40 High Protection Cream
At the pricier end of the scale, this rich cream delivers high protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and natural emollients also nourish the skin to keep it feeling hydrated and smooth.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Cream Body Spray SPF 50+
French brand La Roche-Posay is the go-to for anyone with easily irritated skin, and offers excellent protection against ageing for a mid-priced range. It comes in a lightweight spray, which belies is high SPF and is highly water resistant – a great poolside companion.
Aldi Lacura SPF30 Moisturising Sun Lotion
One of the 13 sunscreens that passed the Which? SPF test, this water-resistant sun lotion contains vitamin E and green tea to deliver 24-hour moisturisation as well as high UVA and UVB protection.
Sunsense Sun Protection Ultra SPF 50+
It may seem expensive but this easy to apply milk is in fact a bargain bucket full of high factor, water-resistant sunscreen, allowing you to cover your kids head to toe. Good for sensitive and even allergy prone skins, this lightweight lotion is suitable for the whole family.
Vichy Ideal Soleil Children's SPF50 Face & Body Lotion Spray
This is a creamy, water-resistant spray that absorbs easily while leaving behind a light residue, helping parents gauge coverage more easily. This hypo-allergenic, paraben and perfume-free formula can be spritzed at even the most awkward of angles, making it a good choice for use on restless children.
Nivea Sun Kids Moisturising Sun Trigger Spray SPF50
Nivea rides high in the budget category once again. The trigger spray adds an element of fun to putting on sunscreen that might just help you to squeeze a little more patience out of your children. It comes in a good, family-size bottle and provides a lightweight feel, despite its high SPF. Another advantage of the spray is the excellent coverage and the water-resistant formula is easily absorbed into the skin.
By Miriam Christie
